Back in the Sewing of Things

     I have been busy creating things since my last post even though I haven't been keeping you all up to date. I really am still pursuing this thing I like to call a business, but have hit some bumps along the way. With spring just around the corner opportunities seem to be popping up everywhere. So I need to get moving.
     When I wanted my sewing to become a full-time thing I realized I needed to do it in a space I loved.

Above is the final product. I had some old cabinets in the laundry room that weren't being used so I moved them in here and painted. The bookcase and the microwave cart were already downstairs too, so I pulled them in. I took measurements and went to Joann's and found these great fabric bins. I love that they already have labels built into them as well. I spent a good week going through and organizing all my fabric and patterns. It has definitely paid off in the long run. The key is to always put stuff back where it belongs. I have learned this thanks to my amazing mother.
     I have been busy the last couple of months making Christmas and birthday presents and got a chance to make a few new purses to boot. 

     This purse is the Mini Bow Tucks. My mom made a couple for friends and they became all the rage in I Falls, so I decided to make a couple. I really love the pattern and it goes together beautifully. These fabrics make me so excited for the summer to come.
     I am about to order my first set of business cards and made my own business email account. Here it is: francineandersonboutique@gmail.com.  It is a shocker, I know ;). So if any of you have any questions or would like me to make something, contact me there. I am really excited for what the Lord has in store for the next season. Please keep me in your prayers and let me know if there is any way I can pray for you.

Finding Comfort

    Here it goes I guess. The first of hopefully many if things go well. I started making bags after I attended the 2010 MN quilt show with my mom, Melissa. You can find her blog at http://www.rainyriverquilter.blogspot.com/ I sensed that she really wanted me to find that passion for quilting that she had. I decided to go and found that people make bags.
Side note: I am a bag lady. I love bags. I love Fossil. But of course all I can usually afford is something from Kohls or Target.
I decided on one bag pattern and one wallet pattern. I went with the Bella Bag from Anka's Treasures and Cash and Carry from Atkinson Designs. I made them both and fell in love.

First Bella Bag and Cash & Carry

I have made a few for myself and had a few requests. My mom and several friends and family have encouraged me to seek business for myself. My first reaction is nervousness followed by complete stress because I have no clue what to do first. I usually resort to stress, which I have found to be kind of a bummer in all areas. Then I wanted to slap myself after I realized how petty I was. God is in control of all things. I will not stress anymore about this, but pray about everything!
I have decided on FAB which stands for, you guessed it...F.rancine A.nderson B.outique. I was going to go with bags instead of boutique, but I thought this left room for growth. That is about as far as I have gotten. My husband Jeffrey is going to help me with the logistics once he takes his exam in November. So right now all I need to do is pray and sew. Any suggestions would be very much welcomed!